Ashbel Smith Building, building in Galveston, Galveston County, Texas
The Ashbel Smith Building, also called Old Red, is a large brick building on the campus of the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston. It is built from red brick, sandstone, and Texas granite and displays Romanesque Revival style with rounded arches and detailed stonework.
The building was designed in 1891 by renowned architect Nicholas J. Clayton and was named after Ashbel Smith in 1949. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1969 and is the oldest medical school building west of the Mississippi River.
The building is named after Ashbel Smith, a prominent figure in Texas history. Its heavy stone walls and rounded arches shape how the campus looks and remind visitors of the craftsmanship from the late 1800s.
The building is located on the University of Texas Medical Branch campus in Galveston and is easily accessible. Visitors can explore the exterior and view the impressive architecture from various points around the campus.
The building survived the devastating 1900 hurricane, one of the strongest storms in Galveston's history. While the surrounding area was destroyed, this structure with its solid stone walls and red brick remained intact, demonstrating its exceptional durability.
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